Unknown Worlds Executives Fired After Projecting Massive Bonus Payout
Parent Company Krafton Accused of Withholding Millions
Former executives at video game developer Unknown Worlds claim their ousting by parent company Krafton Inc. was a calculated move to avoid a substantial $250 million bonus payment.
Accusations Surface in Lawsuit
The leadership team, including former CEO **Ted Gill** and founders **Charlie Cleveland** and **Max McGuire**, alleges in a recently unsealed lawsuit that Krafton terminated their employment after they presented optimistic revenue forecasts. These projections would have nearly guaranteed the massive bonus.
Game Delays Linked to Payout Concerns
According to the complaint, Krafton became concerned about the impending payout once the potential bonus was clear. The South Korean publisher then allegedly sought to postpone the release of the highly anticipated game, *Subnautica 2*, to circumvent this financial obligation. Krafton reportedly offered the executives a reduced payment before their dismissal earlier this month.
Industry Sees Executive Turnover Amidst Profit Pressures
This situation highlights the intense financial pressures within the gaming industry, where executive compensation is often tied to performance metrics. In 2023, the global games market generated an estimated $184 billion in revenue, underscoring the significant financial stakes involved in successful game launches (Newzoo 2024).
